Marseille was one of those cities that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. It was the kind of place where you could spend hours walking and still feel like there’s more just around the next corner—more stories, more color, more life. As the second-largest city in France, it felt alive in a way that was different from the others we had visited. It wasn’t polished like Paris or charming in a quiet way like some of the smaller French towns—it was bold, buzzing, and full of character.
We arrived in Marseille under a bright summer sky, the sun casting that particular kind of Mediterranean light that makes every color pop just a little more. The terracotta rooftops, the pale cream walls, and the blue sea all came together in a view that was hard to look away from. Driving into the city felt like entering a painting—chaotic in parts, yes, but beautiful in its own rugged way.
One of the highlights of our visit was Notre-Dame de la Garde, the iconic basilica that sits on a hill overlooking the city. Getting up there was a bit of a journey, with winding roads and a climb that reminded us we were definitely on a road trip. But the moment we reached the top, it was all worth it. The view from the basilica was absolutely stunning. We could see the entire city spread out beneath us—the old port, the densely packed buildings, the far hills, and of course, the endless blue of the Mediterranean. It was one of those moments when the noise in your head quiets down, and you just take it all in.
The basilica itself was breathtaking too. Inside, it was peaceful, with golden mosaics, intricate paintings, and candles flickering softly in the corners. There was a deep sense of reverence in the air, not just from the religious setting, but from the silence shared by everyone standing in awe of it. We stayed a while, walking slowly through the halls, reading bits of its history, and sitting for a few minutes just to breathe and look around. It was both a spiritual and cultural experience, and one we wouldn’t forget.
Back in the city center, we spent time exploring Vieux-Port, the Old Port area that’s often described as the soul of Marseille. It had a magnetic energy. Boats lined the docks, seagulls hovered overhead, and people—locals and tourists alike—were everywhere, either sitting at cafés, browsing little stalls, or simply walking with ice cream in hand. We joined in the rhythm of it all, walking lazily along the waterfront, pausing for photos and people-watching. There was a market set up in parts of the port, full of handmade crafts, local snacks, and souvenirs that caught the eye. It was busy but not overwhelming—just the right amount of movement to keep the mood light and lively.
We also wandered into Les Terrasses du Port, one of Marseille’s big shopping malls near the water. It was modern and spacious, with glass walls that opened up to sea views and terraces where you could just sit and look out at the horizon. We weren’t really shopping for anything in particular, but it was fun to walk through the shops, window-shop, and escape the sun for a while. There’s something calming about browsing through clothes, books, or trinkets when you have nowhere to be and no agenda to follow. It added a nice urban touch to our otherwise coastal experience.
While in Marseille, we got curious and decided to eat at a Chinese restaurant one evening. Part of us just wanted something familiar, and part of us was simply curious to see how Chinese food tasted in this corner of France. The restaurant was cozy and the food wasn’t bad—but if we’re being honest, it didn’t quite match what we were used to back home in Germany. Maybe it was the flavors, or maybe just that quiet comfort that comes with familiarity, but we both agreed: Chinese food is better in Germany. Still, it was fun to try, and we didn’t mind the little adventure.
What stood out most about Marseille, though, wasn’t just the places we saw—it was the feeling the city gave us. It was big, yes, but not impersonal. It had corners of elegance and corners that felt wild and unfiltered. There was a blend of cultures, of languages spoken in the street, and of faces from all over the world. You could see its history in the old buildings and feel its pulse in the new ones. We felt both like visitors and participants, which is a rare and special feeling to get when you’re only in a place for a short time.
Walking through the city, we saw street art on walls, heard music floating from balconies, and noticed how locals greeted each other with warmth that felt unforced. There were moments when we paused just to watch the sunlight hit the buildings a certain way or when the breeze from the sea made everything feel still, even if just for a second.
We didn’t get to explore every inch of Marseille, but we experienced it in a way that felt rich and real. From the heights of Notre-Dame de la Garde to the bustling life along the Old Port, from modern shopping spots to quiet meals in tucked-away restaurants—it all came together into a patchwork of moments that made the city feel alive.
As we packed up to leave and continue on our journey to Spain, we looked back with smiles on our faces. Marseille wasn’t always polished or perfect, but it didn’t need to be. It had heart. And we were grateful to have been part of it, even just for a while.
